Nick Diaz is one of the most talked about fighters in the UFC. Many say his fights are some of the most exciting in the sport, and his antics never cease to generate buzz.
However, a post-fight rant on Saturday left fans somewhat puzzled.
Diaz defeated former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion B.J. Penn in the main event at UFC 137 in Las Vegas. The win, combined with a callout of UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, earned him a shot at the title.
Yet instead of celebrating, the polarizing Stockton, Calif., native, who is known for having a “world is against me” attitude, instead complained about the lack of compensation for his trainers and others in the sport at the post-fight press conference. Diaz has a history of bringing up the subject of money in interviews and other media appearances.
According to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, Diaz earned US$275,000 (not including money from sponsorships) — $200,000 for the fight itself, plus a $75,000 fight of the night bonus.
Diaz noted that this is a far cry from the purses earned by WBC welterweight boxing champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr., who took home a base purse of $25 million for last month’s pay-per-view fight against Victor Ortiz that drew 1.25 million buys.
“You got Floyd Mayweather making 25 million dollars. He can’t stop the double-leg,” said Diaz, referring to the fact that boxers do not need to defend against wrestling moves such as double-leg takedowns. “I had to go to school to learn that s—.”
Still, many fans — even loyal Diaz supporters — have a difficult time sympathizing with athletes who complain about their earnings.
Contract disputes are quite common in all sports and talking about money issues publicly get under the skin of sports fans.
New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis missed most of training camp and sat out the entire pre-season in 2010 while in a contract dispute. Revis demanded to be the highest paid cornerback in NFL history. Although many believed he was the best defensive back in the game at the time, his refusal to play over money issues did not gain him any fan support.
In boxing, whenever the aptly named (Money) Mayweather opens his mouth he seems to lose fans. Whether it’s his boastful attitude or YouTube videos of him burning hundred-dollar bills, the average sports fan has a difficult time understanding that mentality.
Other top earners at UFC 137 included Penn at $225,000; Cheick Kongo, who got $140,000 for his decision win over Matt Mitrione; and Donald Cerrone, who collected $129,000 (including a $75,000 submission of the night bonus) for defeating Dennis Siver. A total of 22 fighters competed at UFC 137 earning a combined $1,026,000.
In other MMA news, Cerrone will fight Diaz’s younger brother Nate Diaz in a lightweight contest at UFC 141 on Dec. 30 in Las Vegas, the organization announced Monday.
